Integrated Country Strategy Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu FOR PUBLIC RELEASE FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Table of Contents 1. Chief of Mission Priorities ............................................................................................................... 2 2. Mission Strategic Framework .......................................................................................................... 3 3. Mission Goals and Objectives ......................................................................................................... 4 4. Management Objectives................................................................................................................. 10 Originally Approved: June 10, 2020 Reviewed and Updated: January 28, 2021 1 FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 1. Chief of Mission Priorities To achieve the objectives of the Indo-Pacific strategy (IPS), the Mission’s overarching goal for Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands is: Strengthened U.S.-Pacific partnerships for prosperous, inclusive, secure, and democratically empowered societies. In pursuing this goal, the Mission will support new infrastructure and energy initiatives, create more opportunities for U.S. business, protect U.S. citizens, and enhance regional security, including freedom of the seas and skies. Strong, visible American action and more effective government institutions will mitigate the growing influence of China (PRC), encourage positive democratic development, and help countries tackle infectious diseases. Our expanding on-the- ground presence will allow us to advocate for U.S. policies and positions and to reassure governments that we will continue to uphold the rules-based order in the region. Consistent and adroit public diplomacy articulates U.S. interests and informs local citizens of our desire to remain reliable friends while promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu account for 70% of the Pacific Island countries (PIC) population and over 60% of their GDP. PNG is home to the region’s largest American investment (ExxonMobil’s $19 billion PNG Liquified Natural Gas (PNGLNG) project) and sits astride vital sea lanes. It is the only Pacific Island country that is part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the only Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dialogue Partner from the PICs. PNG grows in confidence as a leader in the Pacific region and a bridge between Asia and the Pacific. Through our partnership with the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) and increased trade capacity support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), we will work to level the playing field for American companies and American products. We will advocate for American businesses in PNG, establish an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and encourage other countries with open, market-based economies to consider doing business in our three countries. The United States and PNG share important historical and commercial links, people-to-people ties, and defense partnerships. However, PNG’s democracy is characterized by weak political parties and a nascent civil society. The country lacks the institutional strength and professional civil service needed to combat pervasive state corruption. The Mission will enact positive change in PNG by engaging with and supporting those people and institutions who endeavor to improve governance in the country. In 2019, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARB) held a referendum on independence from PNG, providing an opportunity for the Mission to support peaceful and democratic outcomes. Originally Approved: June 10, 2020 Reviewed and Updated: January 28, 2021 2 FOR PUBLIC RELEASE With the opening of a Defense Attaché Office in Port Moresby, we are poised to deepen our security cooperation with the country to ensure that the United States, our allies, and other like- minded countries remain the security partners of choice for PNG. Expansion of IMET and a growing U.S. military presence supported by INDOPACOM and the Department of Defense will be useful tools in this regard. Health programming in PNG is having an outsized impact, delivering replicable models for health systems strengthening, and our expanding biodiversity and natural resource governance projects serve as an example of the United States Government’s (USG) ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable development. Our programming under the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative is focused on gender equality and will improve living conditions for women in all three countries. And finally, we are seeking to build community resilience to natural and man-made disasters through increased Disaster Risk Mitigation (DRM) programming. The recovery of Solomon Islands since it was overtaken by civil unrest from 1998 to 2003 has been remarkable, and our ability to maintain influence there has largely been driven by the physical presence of the U.S. Consular Agency. The upcoming retirement of our long-serving and very effective Consular Agent will leave a gap that will be difficult to fill. In order to increase our level of influence, access and assistance, the Mission is preparing to re-open our Embassy in Honiara, re-establish the Peace Corps program, implement a Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold program, and open a USAID office. In Vanuatu, the thirty-year Peace Corps presence shaped the United States’ image. The absence of a full-time diplomatic presence, however, constrains our ability to maintain U.S. influence and achieve desired outcomes. Our team will continue to engage with the people of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu through social media, phone and electronic communication, and frequent visits. In line with U.S. priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, we must also consider both traditional and innovative ways of maintaining strong commercial, security, and development links, and identify ways to further engage with our partners, expand our presence and execute on our commitments. 2. Mission Strategic Framework Mission Goal 1: A Sustainable, Inclusive, Free and Open Economy that Promotes Growth and Mutual Prosperity Mission Objective 1.1: Advance economic governance reforms that undergird a level playing field for U.S. companies and promote free, fair, and reciprocal trade practices. Mission Objective 1.2: Promote high-quality infrastructure and information, communications, and telecommunications (ICT) projects to encourage sustainable economic growth. Originally Approved: June 10, 2020 Reviewed and Updated: January 28, 2021 3 FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Mission Objective 1.3 Build economic sustainability through environmental resilience in all three Pacific Island countries. Mission Goal 2: An Inclusive and Rules-Based Order that Advances Effective Democratic Governance and Strengthens Civil Society Mission Objective 2.1: Promote and strengthen governance institutions and practices that are inclusive, transparent, accountable, responsive to citizens’ needs, and respectful of human rights. Mission Objective 2.2: Support civil society to play an effective role in advocacy for democratic norms, human rights and social cohesion. Mission Goal 3: Safe Access to the Seas, Skies and Land that Promotes a Secure Environment for the Advancement of Commerce and Shared Values within the Region Mission Objective 3.1: Deepen partner government security capabilities and broaden cooperation between the United States and PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Mission Objective 3.2: Provide a secure environment and unfettered access for U.S. Citizens, Military, Diplomats, and businesses within PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Mission Goal 4: Sustained Investment in Human Capital that Empowers Individuals and Communities Mission Objective 4.1: Strengthen public health capacity to achieve more sustainable health outcomes. Mission Objective 4.2: Expand human capacity building through increased education and exchange programs, and institutional partnerships. Management Objective 1: Improve operational effectiveness, strengthen service delivery and human resource capacity. Management Objective 2: Expand USG presence in the Area of Responsibility (AOR.) 3. Mission Goals and Objectives Mission Goal 1: A Sustainable, Inclusive, Free and Open Economy that promotes Growth and Mutual Prosperity Description and Linkages: In PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, the private sector is undervalued as a partner in driving development. Private sector-led economic growth is a stronger, more reliable engine for development than competing models in that it delivers market-driven decision-making, encourages transparency, and is more likely to result in financially sustainable projects. Originally Approved: June 10, 2020 Reviewed and Updated: January 28, 2021 4 FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Policies that underlie a sustainable, inclusive, free and open economy promote good governance and improve the investment climate. They enhance private sector participation, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and attract U.S. and other international investors. They deliver incentives for strengthening commerce-based people to people ties and sharpening workforce capabilities, contributing to Pillar 4 of the National Security Strategy. Promoting U.S. investment, goods and services in all three countries contributes directly to Pillar 2 of the National Security and Indo-Pacific Strategies of stimulating American prosperity. Entrepreneurship in a free and open economy encourages the social and